Market fresh Report - Week Ending January 18th

It’s a fabulous time to enjoy rockmelons.

Late-season cherries are plump, sweet and full of flavour, with most fruit now coming from Tasmania. Quality remains excellent, making it a great time to enjoy this summer favourite

For a tropical, sweet summer sensation, pick up a bag of tropical Queensland-grown lychees. They are easy to peel and super juicy. Depending on the variety. Just 100g of lychees provides your daily recommended dietary intake of vitamin C for a day.

Bananas remain top value this week. Try blending them into banana and chocolate smoothie pops for an easy homemade treat that kids and grown-ups alike will love

Eggplant is a true summer standout, with great-quality fruit in good supply. Its creamy flesh absorbs flavours beautifully. Slice, lightly salt, then grill or roast until golden and tender. Delicious in salads, wraps or served alongside barbecued meats

Pumpkin is plentiful and great value, with sweet, richly coloured flesh ideal for summer cooking. Roast or air-fry chunks until golden, then serve at room temperature tossed through salads with feta, herbs and a bright lemon dressing

New-season figs have arrived and are eating beautifully. Serve fresh figs with prosciutto and a soft blue cheese, or enjoy simply as they are. As figs are highly perishable, store in the refrigerator and use within 1–2 days. Succulent large black figs are a seasonal treat.

It’s been a bumper mango season and quality fruit continues to arrive in good supply. Choose from Calypso, Honey Gold, Kensington Pride and R2E2 varieties, all delivering rich tropical flavour.

Golden and red-fleshed plums are in peak season from December through early May. Give them the ultimate summer treatment by grilling on the barbecue, or toss sliced plums through leafy salads.

Summer tomatoes are richly flavoured, with a wide range of varieties to enjoy. This week there a good supply of cherry and grape tomatoes at your local greengrocer

Fresh beetroot adds colour, sweetness and a boost of folate to summer meals. Whip up a healthy, beetroot and yoghurt dip or salad

Choose crisp baby cos lettuce and store it in a sealed container in the fridge. Avoid storing lettuce near apples, pears or melons, as these release gases that cause it to deteriorate quickly

Australian grapes are in full swing, with crisp, juicy bunches perfect for snacking or adding bursts of sweetness to summer salads. Choose from white, red and black seedless varieties.

Warm January days have intensified the flavour of peaches and nectarines, making them irresistibly sweet and juicy. Your local greengrocer will have quality fruit. Halve the fruit, dust lightly with icing sugar and caramelise under a hot grill, then serve with vanilla ice cream. Stonefruit also shines in summer salads, adding colour and natural sweetness.

Australian-grown valencia oranges are outstanding value. While the rind may show a green tinge, the flesh inside is sweet, juicy and packed with vitamin C. Add segments to salads, use the juice in dressings, or caramelise slices for an easy dessert

Summer sweetcorn is fresh and flavoursome. Add kernels to salads, salsas, café style fritters, pasta, rice dishes or burger patties for colour and sweetness.

Snake beans are in season and excellent value. Sold in bunches, these long, slender beans have a delicate flavour and tender texture

Capsicum prices are easing. Green capsicums are typically cheaper than red and yellow varieties. A medium sized red capsicum general weights between 200g-250g